Why is britain called england

Find out about the UK. Where is the UK? What countries make up the UK? What is the official title name of the UK? Why is the whole of Ireland not part of the UK? How and why was the UK formed? The United Kingdom coloured in red with the Republic of Ireland in grey. The first is that it is used to distinguish Britain from its similar sounding, but much smaller French neighbour, Brittany.

The British Isles is the name of a group of islands situated off the north western corner of mainland Europe. Just like Wales and Scotland, England is commonly referred to as a country but it is not a sovereign state.

It is the largest country within the United Kingdom both by landmass and population, has taken a pivitol role in the creation of the UK, and its capital London also happens to be the capital of the UK. It is perhaps understandable then that England is often although incorrectly used as a term to describe the whole of the UK.

So there you have it! Ask Smithsonian Unless you are living under a rock, you likely woke up today to plenty of news and commentary on the decision of U. But what is the United Kingdom, anyway? Part of the confusion could come from the fact that much of the United Kingdom is located on a single island that is itself a part of a larger set of islands. Great Britain is part of the British Isles, a collection of more than 6, islands including Ireland in the west and smaller islands like Anglesey and Skye.

Project Britain. From north to south it is about 1, kilometres long. Click here to find out about the Geography of the UK. The name refers to the union of what were once four separate nations: England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland though most of Ireland is now independent.

Only Northern Ireland is part of the UK now. Interactive Map of the UK.